Search results for: CDR Committee

Enough with the Charades, Cuba Deserves Free Elections / Cubanet, Roberto Jesus Quinones

In order to “elect” there must be different political parties to choose from, and only one is legal on the Island: The Communist Party Cubanet.org, Roberto Jesus Quinones Haces, Guantanamo, 17 April 2015 – Coming up on April 19 there will be “elections.” Many countrymen ask about the changes that the Electoral Law will introduce. … Continue reading “Enough with the Charades, Cuba Deserves Free Elections / Cubanet, Roberto Jesus Quinones”

Staging Civil Society / 14ymedio, Manual Cuesta Morua

14ymedio, Manuel Cuesta Morua, Havana, 2 April 2015 — The Summit of the Americas is the best opportunity for Cuba. For the first time since 1959, our country has and will take advantage of the occasion provided by the international community to put itself in sync with the world. Let’s review. In 1985 the Cuban government had … Continue reading “Staging Civil Society / 14ymedio, Manual Cuesta Morua”

The Mariel Exodus: State Terrorism / Cubanet, Roberto Jesus Quinones

Against the “scum,” acts of repudiation, beatings and humiliations. Against Florida, an invasion of the unemployed Cubanet.org, Roberto Jesus Quinones Haces, Guantanamo, 1 April 2015 – On the first of April 1980 a bus was driven through the entrance to the Peruvian embassy in Havana; its occupants entered and sought political asylum. Unfortunately, the non-commissioned officer of … Continue reading “The Mariel Exodus: State Terrorism / Cubanet, Roberto Jesus Quinones”

Polarization and civil society / 14ymedio, Yoani Sanchez

14ymedio, Yoani Sanchez, Havana, 26 March 2015 – The family of Yamila, age 41, is a sample of Cuban society. The father is a member of the Communist Party, the mother a Catholic who never embraced the Revolutionary Process, there is a brother in Miami and she herself is working for a joint venture where she … Continue reading “Polarization and civil society / 14ymedio, Yoani Sanchez”

They Donate Blood for Bread with Ham / Cubanet, Pablo Gonzalez

Cubanet, Pablo Gonzalez, Havana, 20 March 2015 – Each state enterprise has to deliver a quantity of blood donations each month in order to comply with the rule established by the Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP). Each clinic has to make one hundred donations per month. The pressure that MINSAP and the Committees in Defense … Continue reading “They Donate Blood for Bread with Ham / Cubanet, Pablo Gonzalez”

Are There More Than Enough Reasons? / Fernando Damaso

Fernando Damaso, 16 February 2015 — The Young Communist League (UJC) is a government organization, established and directed by the Party and the government, with the objective of controlling the youth of the Island politically and ideologically. It proclaims itself the sole representative of young Cubans, similar to how other government organizations operate in this … Continue reading “Are There More Than Enough Reasons? / Fernando Damaso”

Queens for a Night / 14ymedio, Rosa Lopez

14ymedio, Rosa Lopez, Camagüey, 8 March 2015 — On the kitchen table is a smeared plate of pink meringue. It’s been there since Friday afternoon, when she brought that piece of cake from the party for Women’s Day. After the celebration, the music and a boring speech from the factory director, Magaly returned to the routine … Continue reading “Queens for a Night / 14ymedio, Rosa Lopez”

The Betrayal of Humboldt 7 or the Legal Art of Looting

Humboldt 7* in Havana, Cuba. Christmas is a tradition which goes beyond the limits of the Catholic religion. Before the birth of Christ, the Incas used to celebrate the 25th December as their Cápac Raymi (a religious prehispanic celebration in honour of the sun); and also the ancient Romans, with their Natalia Solis Invicti or, “The … Continue reading “The Betrayal of Humboldt 7 or the Legal Art of Looting”

2015 Partial Elections: an Old Woman Wearing Rouge / 14ymedio, Miriam Celaya

14ymedio, Miriam Celaya, Havana, 19 January 2015 – Next spring, Cuba will hold the first election process after the announcement of the restoration of relations with the imperialist enemy. Everything indicates that the authorities of the Island are ready to stand the test of what the democratic makeup should look like to create an impression of positive change. For this reason, they are rushing to create their own mechanisms for “approval” with the democratic systems in the … Continue reading “2015 Partial Elections: an Old Woman Wearing Rouge / 14ymedio, Miriam Celaya”

Shameful Distortions / Rebeca Monzo

The big news for all Cubans, without a doubt, has been the reestablishment of relations between Cuba and the United States, which has been a dream for three generations on our captive island, although there are opponents among some fellow countrymen both here and abroad. The other story — the one about the release of … Continue reading “Shameful Distortions / Rebeca Monzo”

“J’Accuse” from a High Position / 14ymedio

An official with the Housing Institute denounces corruption and privileges, as well as reprisals taken against his family. 14ymedio, September 24, 2014 – Before leaving Cuba in October, 2013, the author of this accusation occupied an important post at the Housing Institute and, as a jurist, saw firsthand the intrigues perpetrated by high-level officers of … Continue reading ““J’Accuse” from a High Position / 14ymedio”

The Maleconazo Seen Through the Blinds / 14ymedio, Ignacio Varona

14ymedio, Ignacio Varona, 5 August, 2014 – Amalia Gutierrez was living on Gervasio Street in the San Leopoldo neighborhood when she heard the shouting on the other side of her blinds. Roberto Pascual was a patient waiting for dialysis outside the Hermanos Ameijeiras Hospital. And Vivian Bustamante sold illegal pizzas near the Spanish Embassy. They … Continue reading “The Maleconazo Seen Through the Blinds / 14ymedio, Ignacio Varona”

They Direct the Machinery of Harassment Against a Cancer Researcher / Lilianne Ruiz

Young Oscar Casanella is threatened in the public roadway by “factors” of the revolution. State Security wants him fired from his work. HAVANA, Cuba. — Someone must have heard the telephone conversations of Oscar Casanella.  Those days he was organizing a party with his friends to welcome back Ciro, the guitarist for the punk rock … Continue reading “They Direct the Machinery of Harassment Against a Cancer Researcher / Lilianne Ruiz”

Internet in Cuba: A Success in Spite of Everything / Ivan Garcia

Eight in the morning. On the ground floor of the Focsa building  – Cuba’s Empire State – on M between 17 and 19 Vedado, in a shop between the Guiñol theatre and a beaten-up bar at the entrance to the Scherezada club, a queue of about 15 people are waiting to enter the internet room. … Continue reading “Internet in Cuba: A Success in Spite of Everything / Ivan Garcia”

Miguel’s Drone / 14ymedio, Yoani Sanchez

Nobody knows how he got it into the country, with so many customs restrictions and government paranoia, but Miguel has a drone. Tiny, like a kid’s toy, and with a camera. In his spare time, this forty-something Havanan dedicates himself to using his new amusement to explore the nearby patios and rooftops of his neighbors. … Continue reading “Miguel’s Drone / 14ymedio, Yoani Sanchez”